The Bedlam Stacks

I absolutely loved this. I also loved The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, but this is the better book, in my opinion. They both stand alone, but a major character appears in both; it would be better to read Watchmaker first.

I would call this a queerplatonic relationship, but there's much more to the story also. Because the book has elements from a few genres and doesn't follow many genre conventions, I never really knew what would happen next, which was exciting and unsettling. I was especially anxious when Keita showed up in the first flashback, because when Merrick first mentioned him, it seemed like he was afraid of Keita. But that all made sense in the end.

The fantasy aspects of the story are woven cleverly into the story, and seem reasonable in context, although they're all very strange. I guessed at what was going on with some of the book's mysteries, but I totally underestimated the emotional impact of everything as it unfolded in the story, because the relationship between the main characters is so subtle. I cried a lot, which I rarely do over books. But the actual ending is not unhappy.

My review definitely does not do justice to this beautiful book. It's going to be really difficult for me to wait until the author releases the sequel to Watchmaker next year.

I don't usually read books quite like this one, but I loved it nonetheless. The last chapter really sealed it for. The friendship in this story throug multiple generations is amazing. 

The only thing that put me off a little where the flashback. There were two chapters that took place in the past that caught me off guard and seemed totally unconnected untill the very end which made it very confusing to read. Especially since it happened so infrequently. 

The Bedlam Stacks immerses the reader in the era of the East India Company, when trade was ruthless and the natural resources of less developed countries were being plundered. Merrick Tremayne has been out of the business because of an injury, but due to his extensive knowledge of plants and an old family connection to a remote Peruvian village he is recruited to travel to Peru for an important mission. He has been tasked with smuggling quinine cuttings out of the country in order to help treat the worsening malaria epidemic in India. When Merrick arrives in the tiny village he encounters unusual superstitions centered around incredibly lifelike statues and the salt line that separates the village from the forest. Equally mysterious is the village priest, Raphael, who appears to know more than he's saying.

The story winds its way through Merrick's journey, with occasional flashbacks to provide more of his history. A lovely tale of friendship and faith set in a fascinating world with just a hint of the fantastical, The Bedlam Stacks is perfect for fans of magical realism.

i waited to write a review but it's been days since i finished reading this and i still don't even know how to feel and can't stop CRYING

i ... don't even know where to start. i feel so conflicted with this book. it was beautiful. it was engrossing. it was sweeping and lush and deep and full of longing and softness and incredible moments and incredible characters. and yet ... it also hurt me deeply at the very end. but i probably would read it again? what kind of ... ridiculousness ... lmao. this was so beautiful and i KNOW it will stay with me for a long time, so. i just don't know. how to even write a review. i cried when i read the last paragraph. i just don't know.